GAA World Games: Intro

From its origins in the Middle East to global prominence, the GAA World Games has become the premier international showcase for Gaelic Games clubs worldwide.

The first edition of the Games was held in Abu Dhabi in March 2015, hosted by Middle East GAA at the Zayed Sports City. It featured 26 teams from regions including Canada, the USA, Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, Australasia and Europe, competing in Gaelic Football and Ladies’ Football.

In 2016, the World Games moved to Dublin (UCD and Croke Park). That year saw 56 teams participate, including 27 teams composed entirely of non-Irish players, spanning football, ladies’ football, hurling and camogie.

The 2019 Games were held in Waterford, with the Waterford Institute of Technology as the venue and finals once again in Croke Park. Organisers reported large participation and a broad international presence.

More recently, in 2023 the Games took place in Derry, using the Owenbeg Centre of Excellence and staging finals in Celtic Park. Around 93 adult teams competed across all four codes.

Throughout each edition, Middle East GAA teams have competed across all four codes - men’s football, ladies’ football, senior hurling and camogie, reflecting the depth and breadth of the region’s Gaelic Games development.

Looking ahead, Waterford has been confirmed by the World GAA Council as the host for the 2026 World GAA Games. The event is scheduled for July 13-16 at SETU Arena, Carriganore, with finals on July 17 at Walsh Park. It is expected to feature over 100 teams and more than 2,000 players.